What kind of wine is Terre Siciliane Zibibbo IGT 'Zibibbo in Phitos' 2023 - COS

The Terre Siciliane Zibibbo IGT 'Zibibbo in Phitos' 2023 - COS is a macerated white wine born from an authentic vision of the territory and a desire to rediscover ancient winemaking methods. It is produced by COS, one of the emblematic wineries of Vittoria's enological rebirth, in the province of Ragusa. This wine evokes the ancestral tradition of amphora fermentation, a practice dating back thousands of years and now reinterpreted in a contemporary key to preserve the purity of the Zibibbo grape and its connection to the Sicilian land.

Vintage Details

The 2023 vintage of Zibibbo in Phitos developed under the influence of the Mediterranean climate of southeastern Sicily, with significant temperature variations that favored a complete aromatic maturation of the grapes. Zibibbo – also known as Muscat of Alexandria – is an indigenous grape variety that loves the sun and sea winds, capable of concentrating aromas and ensuring freshness on the palate. The calcareous and sandy soil typical of Vittoria contributes to imparting finesse and a perfect balance between intensity and minerality.

Vinification and Aging

The production of Terre Siciliane Zibibbo IGT 'Zibibbo in Phitos' 2023 - COS follows a natural philosophy that respects tradition. The grapes ferment spontaneously, meaning with indigenous yeasts already present on the skins, and remain in contact with them for several weeks. This technique, called skin maceration, gives the wine its "orange" character, rich in complex nuances and delicate tannins. Aging takes place in terracotta amphorae – the "phitos" that give the wine its name – and subsequently in the bottle, where the harmonization of aromas and structure is completed.

Tasting Notes

The Zibibbo in Phitos 2023 is a wine that excites with its depth and personality, best expressing the Mediterranean soul of Zibibbo.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense amber color with golden and coppery reflections, typical of macerated wines. The warm and bright hue anticipates the aromatic richness that follows upon tasting.

Nose

On the nose, it offers persistent notes of orange peel, honey, aromatic herbs, and dried fruit. Slight oxidative notes also emerge – deliberately evolved aromas reminiscent of hazelnut and dehydrated apple – which lend complexity and depth to the bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, it is surprising: structured, with a decisive sip supported by a delicate but unusual tannic quality for a white wine. The finish is long, savory, and pleasantly citrusy, with a balsamic closure that invites another taste.

What to pair with Terre Siciliane Zibibbo IGT 'Zibibbo in Phitos' 2023 - COS

The Zibibbo in Phitos is a versatile and gastronomic wine, capable of accompanying complex and flavorful dishes without overpowering them. Perfect for those who love to experiment with unconventional pairings, it pairs particularly well with:

• Mediterranean dishes based on fish or shellfish in sauce;
• Aged or soft cheeses;
• Vegetable curries and spicy oriental-inspired dishes;
• White meats and poultry cooked in the oven or in a casserole;
• Strong-flavored vegetarian dishes, such as saffron risottos or mushrooms.

Storage and aging: how to store Terre Siciliane Zibibbo IGT 'Zibibbo in Phitos' 2023 - COS wine

This wine has excellent aging potential: if stored correctly, it can improve for over 10 years. It should be kept in a cool place, away from light, and at a constant temperature of around 12-15°C. Before serving, decanting is recommended: oxygenating the wine for a few minutes allows its aromas to open up and smooth out any rustic notes.

Served at approximately 14°C, the Terre Siciliane Zibibbo IGT 'Zibibbo in Phitos' 2023 - COS reveals its extraordinary ability to evolve in the glass and demonstrates how Sicily can combine ancient tradition and contemporary enology in a single sip.